My latest solution for locating a side switch in the dark

David, good point about the “side effects”…

Only on the Jetbeam E20R did I think that, just because that switch is so large flat and smooth, however for those same reasons it seems harder to locate in the dark.

I don’t put it on certain lights that I use for work and I can see the switch, only for lights that I’ll need in total darkness,
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If someone needs to retain the smooth feel of their switch they can apply a small strip or pad directly under the switch (like I did on the TC20) or maybe on either side around it, that works great as well.

But in general the benefits outweigh the disadvantages, To me one of the worst things about side switches is rolling a light around in my hand trying to feel for the switch in the dark.

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Reminds me of something I just read on a medication info sheet:
“your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects” :slight_smile:

Nice idea beam0. :+1:

Sweet

Pretty much all tail switches on flashlights have a textured rubber boot.
Almost all flashlights have knurling on them somewhere.

Why would some texture on the switch be any different?
It helps find the switch, which is why flashlights have ridges or texture on/around the switch already.

Thanks!

What does this have to do with tail switch lights?

Regardless of whether you believe it or not, this stuff is a MAJOR difference from ANY knurling, maybe you’re thinking of the smoother texture tape? I’m using the VERY aggressive type of tape (mineral based, like sharp grains of sand) It’s a great resolve for locating a side switch in the dark. For me it totally corrects an unpleasant experience.

But of course it’s not for everyone, obviously you’ve never had any problems locating a side switch because the existing “ridges or texture on/around the switch” are working for you, It’s great that you’ve never experienced the issue, so no worries. :wink:

I took it that Enderman was defending the rough button idea.

Yeah, I think he was responding to me asking about the rough button. The difference I see between the button being rough versus knurling or “rough” rubber boots, is that a sandpaper finish might actually wear out your skin a little when you press on it. The rubber boot won’t do that, and the knurling isn’t meant to be pressed on anyway, so those aren’t comparable. But, anyway, if the stuff works without bothering you, I’m okay with that. It was just a curiosity for me. :innocent:

Looks like he’s saying it’s not textured enough…that placing “some texture on the switch” is no different than the knurling that almost all flashlights already have…

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And he goes on to say the grip tape pad isn’t necessary because “flashlights already have ridges or texture on/around the switch, to help find it”

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Enderman may have never experienced the problem or read anyone’s complaints about it, but know I’m not the only one who has, I’ve read many posts about the issue with locating side switches.

One thing I can say for sure, with this method I can spin a light around in my hand between my fingers feeling all of those existing knurling, ridges textures etc. but when your thumb or finger makes even the slightest contact with this tape, you’ll know it immediately!

Glow in the dark paint?

I like it.

beam0, I like that you found a grippy tape that helps you.

At first I took Enderman the way you did, but after reading chadvone and rereading the quote in Endermans post, it sounds like hes supporting your rough patch idea, not contradicting it.

As DavidEF suggested, focus on the comment Enderman quoted and was replying to:

His [not quoted] language structure before that statement, created a misunderstanding, for you and I both, at first :-).

Like pressing on a cat’s tongue…

I’ve come to the conclusion that Enderman didn’t realize the type of grit tape I used, most of his statements do make sense for the smoother grip tape they use on pistol grips etc.

It’s actually a good thing he commented on it because it caused me to further explain in detail the exact type of tape I used. In hindsight I realized there are (far) less aggressive tapes out there that are fairly common and pretty much would have no effect.

Yes it feels something like that when you feel it to locate, but in actual pressing using the button you don’t really feel it that much.

For me it’s an awesome fix for my issues finding side switches in darkness. Also look at the photo of my TC20, the grip pad isn’t even on the switch, and it works wonders for a switch locator!

The tape I used is the very aggressive type, similar to medium coarse sandpaper.

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……Here’s the tape I used, had it left over from other projects: …………………………………This may be very similar, I’ll check it at Lowe’s next time if they have it.

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(Click on photos for links)

This is a pretty cool idea. :+1:
I have a Astrolux E01 that was extremely hard to find the button just by feel. I got so annoyed I made a taller switch button and installed a trit vial. Problem solved but this could have fixed the problem with a lot less work. I would probably have went with a little finer grit for my personal touch. :wink:

Now you got me thinking of doing a whole dang light in that stuff.

Nice trick :+1:
Yeah, side switch is uncomfortable :person_facepalming:

I have the tape on about 10 handgun grips and it’s not something that tears up or really bothers the skin, at least mine. It’s provides a great feel and is something I highly recommend for anyone with slippery handgun grips. No skin problems even with full bore .357 mag loads.

Now I’m going to have to stick some on my side switch lights :slight_smile: